Human Powered Strengthening Machine

ABSTRACT

A human power strengthening machine consisting of a frame, hand pedals, foot pedals and a flywheel coupled to said frame, with hand grips and foot-bindings coupled to said pedals wherein the grips and bindings allow the user to crank said pedals and drive a flywheel. There is a unit, which provides magnetic resistance to the flywheel. Also coupled to the frame can be a display with microphone for voice control of magnetic resistance to the flywheel. In this case there can be, for example, a flywheel, which is driven by the pedals, a magnetic resistance unit and display with microphone for voice control of flywheel resistance, plus non-driven casters as well.

BACKGROUND

This present invention relates to an exercise machine, which can be used by a user wherein that user uses the musculature of their whole body. With the design of this invention, there is a frame, foot pedals, hand pedals and a flywheel with bindings coupled to the foot pedals and hand grips coupled to the hand pedals which allow the user to be coupled to said pedals and drive the flywheel against Voice controlled, magnetic resistance. Other similar devices are also known in the art, for example the following US Patent may be generally related to the field U.S. Pat. No. 1,820,372 E. R. Blomquist and D C DeForest Jr, U.S. Pat. No. 7429055 B2, wherein the disclosure of this patent is here by Incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, an embodiment thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of the subject invention, showing a foot pedal assembly with rotor affixed to a base, a first shaft pivotally coupled to the foot pedal assembly at one end, and having a portion of a lockable joint at the second end, a second shaft having a portion of a lockable joint at one end and the second end having a hand pedal assembly and rotor affixed thereto.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the subject invention, shown in FIG. 1, wherein the distance between the foot and hand pedals is adjustable along an axis for users of differing sizes.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view with the parts separated of the foot pedals, pulley and belt, rotor, flywheel and magnetic resistance control system, with the enclosure cover omitted for clarity, taken at arrow 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view with the parts separated of the lockable joint for the first and second of shafts, and pulleys and belts associated with this joint, taken at arrow 4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view with the parts separated of the hand pedals, pulley and belt, rotor and sleeves associated with the second shaft taken at arrow 5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a user on the subject invention indicating the F.R.A.N.K. motion of the limbs and pedals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural element or features of the subject invention, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a pivotable exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral 10. As described in more detail below, the pivotable exercise apparatus 10 incorporates a pivot joint allowing users of differing sizes to comfortably utilize the apparatus for simultaneous cardio and muscular exercise. In addition, the pivotable exercise apparatus is configured with pulley sprocket and toothed belt assemblies to provide synchronous use of the upper and lower pedals. This synchronization allows the user to benefit from the negative kickback during synchronous hand and foot pedaled orbits, thereby enhancing the user's experience and providing for a more challenging exercise session.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the pivotable exercise apparatus 10 of the subject invention includes a frame assembly designated generally by reference numeral 20. Frame assembly 20 includes a base 22, a first strut member 24 and a second strut member 26. The base 22 includes a housing 30 thereon which is operatively associated with first strut member 24 via a pivot mechanism 32. First strut member 24 is coupled to second strut member 26 at a rotational joint 40. Housing 30 encloses a pedal and fly wheel assembly 50 (described in FIG. 3). Pedal and fly wheel assembly 50 includes a first pulley sprocket 52 and a first toothed belt 54. First toothed belt 54 is tensioned between first pulley sprocket 52, and second pulley sprocket 56 disposed on first strut member 24 at the rotational joint 40. Third pulley sprocket 58 overlays second pulley sprocket 56 at the rotational joint 40, and is joined thereto. Third pulley sprocket 58 tensions a second toothed belt 60, in cooperation with a fourth pulley sprocket 62, disposed on the second strut member 26 and affixed to upper pedal assembly 70 (described in FIG. 5). As will be described in subsequent views, the synchronization of pedal and fly wheel assembly 50 with upper pedal assembly 70 is accomplished via the cooperation of the pulley sprockets 52, 56, 58 and 62, and toothed belts 54 and 60.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the base portion 22 of pivotable exercise apparatus 10 is shown on floor F. A vertical axis x is depicted, passing through the center of pedal and fly wheel assembly 50. First strut member 24 is permitted to rotate along the arcuate upper surface of housing 30 via a pivot mechanism 32. Pivot mechanism 32 includes a plate 34 and a pin 36. It is contemplated that pin 36 will be retained within housing 30 via a biasing member such as a coil spring (not shown). The bias can be overcome by pulling on knob 38, thereby releasing pin 36 and allowing plate 34 to slide along the accurate upper surface of housing 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, first strut member 24 is preferably a lightweight tubular or solid structural member or extrusion, fabricated from aluminum, carbon fiber, polymer or the like, and is affixed to plate 34. It is desirable that second strut member 26 is fabricated similarly to the first strut member 24, and the two members are shown coupled at rotational joint 40. To comfortably accommodate users of differing statures, the relationship between upper pedal assembly 70 and pedal and fly wheel assembly 50 can be adjusted at angle

by rotating first strut member 24 in the desired direction either of arrow A or of arrow B, and rotating second strut member 26 in the desired direction either of arrow C or of arrow D, via the rotational joint 40. Performing these adjustments will selectively raise upper pedal assembly 70 in the direction of arrow E, or lower the assembly in the direction of arrow F in relation to pedal and fly wheel assembly 50. It is preferable that angle

be defined within a range of 10 to 20 degrees.

Turning now to FIG. 3, pedal and flywheel assembly 50 will be described. The base 22, housing 30 and first strut member 24 have been omitted from the view for clarity. A sealed cartridge rotor 80, such as model BB-UN71 as manufactured by the Shimano Corporation, is shown supported by a bracket 82 that is rigidly affixed to base 22. Rotor shaft ends 84 a and 84 b are shown extending through apertures in bracket 82, and are permitted to freely rotate. First pulley sprocket 52 carries toothed belt 54 and is affixed to rotator shaft end 84 a via a coupler (not shown) as is the right foot pedal 86 a, having a binding 87 a. Bolt 88 a retains the right foot pedal 86 a to shaft end 84 a, with set screw 90 a securing right foot pedal 86 a to bolt 88 a.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, large drive wheel 92 is affixed to shaft end 84 b via a coupler (not shown). Bolt 88 b is shown retaining the left foot pedal assembly 86 b with binding 87 b to shaft end 84 b. Set screw 90 b secures the left foot pedal 86 b to bolt 88 b. Large drive wheel 92 carries a belt 94, which is tensioned by small pulley wheel 96. A bolt 98 affixes small pulley wheel 96 to fly wheel assembly 100. Flywheel 102 includes a one-way bearing collar 102 a, and the flywheel 102 is received and supported by frame 103, which is rigidly affixed to base 22. Bolt 98 passes through small pulley wheel 96 and coupler 102 a of flywheel 102, thus securing them in a cooperating relationship via the tightening of hex nut 98 a.

Continuing further with FIG. 3, a magnetic resistance control system 110 is shown adjacent flywheel assembly 100. It is desirable that metallic surface 102 b of flywheel 102 be in close proximity to magnet array 112, which is disposed on the underside of arcuate member 114. Magnetic array 112 comprises a plurality of magnets 113. The arcuate member 114 is permitted to rotate in relation to flywheel 102 when a nut and bolt assembly affixes the arcuate member 114 to frame F, as seen in the figure. A controller 116 maintains the desired proximity of magnet array 112 to the metallic surface 103 b of the flywheel 102, thereby increasing or decreasing resistance on the rotation of the flywheel 102 as the user rotates the pedals 87 a and 87 b of the lower pedal and flywheel assembly 50. It is contemplated that controller 116 provides the optimum resistance as selected by the user via a Bluetooth signal transmitted from a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or alternatively via a microphone installed conveniently on frame assembly 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated rotational joint 40, which includes a first circumferential tooth face 120 disposed on first strut 24, a second circumferential tooth face 122 disposed on second strut 26, a coil spring 124 and a tensioning bolt 126. In practice, second circumferential tooth face 122 is biased away from first circumferential tooth face 120 due to the bias of coil spring 124 in its non-compressed state. As seen in the view, tensioning bolt 126 is provided with knob 128, and is inserted through a bore in second strut member 26, and then through coil spring 124. The threaded distal portion of tensioning bolt 126 is received within a tapped bore (not shown) of first strut member 24. Upon rotation of tensioning bolt 126, second circumferential tooth face 122 urges against and compresses coil spring 124, resulting in a meshing and locking of second circumferential tooth face 122 of second strut member 26 with first circumferential tooth face 120 of first strut member 24. By loosening tension bolt 126, coil spring 124 urges second strut member 26 away from first strut member 24, and provides for an angular adjustment between the strut members due to a gap between the teeth. Pulley sprockets 56 and 58 are shown removed from shaft 130. Upon installation on shaft 130, pulley sprockets 56 and 58 are coupled together by a plurality of bosses 57, and when joined, rotate freely. Other methods of joining pulley sprockets 56 and 58 can be contemplated, such as a coupler, screws, bolts, adhesive and the like. Pulley sprockets 56 and 58 are secured by bolt 132 which is received in tapped bore 132 a.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated the upper pedal assembly, which includes a rotor 140 such as model BB-UN71 as manufactured by the Shimano Corporation, a tubular sheath 144, and an end cap 148. As seen in the view, sleeve 144 contains and secures rotor 140, with sleeve 144 passing through bore 27 of second strut member 26. Sleeve 144 includes a flange 144 a to abut a first side 28 of second strut member 26, with screws 146 affixing the flange thereto. End cap 148 abuts a second side 29 of second strut member 26, thereby securing rotor 140 within second strut member 26. Screws 150 secure end cap 148 to second side 29.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, rotor shaft ends 142 a and 142 b are fully encased and freely rotatable within sleeve 145 of tubular sheath 144, and sleeve 149 of end cap 148. A bolt 160 a passes through right hand pedal 162 a, and through fourth pulley sprocket 62, and is received and affixed to shaft end 142 a. A set screw 163 a affixes right foot to bolt 160 a. Bolt 160 b passes through left foot pedal 162 b, and is received and affixed to shaft end 142 b. A set screw 163 b affixes left foot pedal 162 b to bolt 160 b.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated the pivotable exerciser apparatus 10, shown in use with a user “P” thereon. As seen in the view, user “P” is maintaining the proper synchronous motion of the limbs and pedals, as indicated by arrow A and arrow B. Most important to the synchronous motion are left foot binding 87 a and right foot binding 87 b which is not visible. Left foot binding 87 a and right foot binding 87 b, make negative kickback possible. User “P” is permitted to lift pedal 86 a upwardly by pushing up on hand pedal 162 a while urging upwardly against foot binding 87 a to complete the synchronous orbit.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, pivotable exercise apparatus 10 is shown properly adjusted for the stature of user “P”. User “P” is shown with a forward lean, the result of proper positioning of pedal and flywheel assembly 50 and upper pedal assembly 70 along the

angle as described in FIG. 2. As shown, foot pedal 86 a and foot pedal 86 b (not visible) are synchronized with hand pedals 162 a and 162 b during use by user “P” such that user “P”'s right arm and right leg are shown extending upwardly, while the left arm and left leg are shown extending downwardly. While a synchronous relationship between the foot pedals and hand pedals has been described, it could be contemplated by someone skilled in the art that the foot pedals and hand pedals could perform independently of one another, or that either the foot or hand pedals progressively perform in a non-synchronous orbit, or that one combination of foot pedal and hand pedal rotate in an opposite orbit to the rotation of the other foot pedal and hand pedal combination.

As will be appreciated by someone skilled in the art, FIG. 6 depicts the shoulders and hips of user “P” rolling in parallel, thus engaging and stretching the long muscles of user “P”'s back. User “P” must also engage the deeper core muscles to maintain balance while leaning forward. In addition, the muscles of the arms and legs are continuously engaged during the synchronous orbits, as is the cardiovascular system of User “P”.

While the pivotable exerciser apparatus of the subject disclosure has been shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a) A frame; b) A plurality of pedals wherein said plurality of pedals comprises a plurality of hand pedals and a plurality of foot pedals. c) A plurality of wheels coupled to said frame; d) A plurality of pulleys; e) A plurality of rotors wherein at least one of said plurality of rotors is coupled to at least one pulley and to at least one pedal wherein each of said plurality of pedals is coupled to at least one rotor; f) At least one synchronizing belt for synchronizing at least one hand pedal with at least one-foot pedal wherein said at least one synchronizing belt is coupled with at least one hand pedal rotor and to at least one-foot pedal rotor. g) At least one drive belt for driving at least one flywheel is coupled to at least one foot pedal rotor and one hand pedal rotor. h) The frame and plurality of pedals are adjustable.
 2. The exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one linkage wherein said at least one linkage is for rotationally coupling at least two of said plurality of pedals together.
 3. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein at least one of said pedals is a foot pedal and at least one of those said pedals is a hand pedal.
 4. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of pedals comprises at least two foot pedals
 5. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of pedals comprises at least two hand pedals.
 6. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of pedals comprises at least two foot pedals and at least two hand pedals.
 7. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of wheels includes at least two non-driven casters and one driven wheel.
 8. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said at least one linkage is in the form of a belt linking at least two of said pedals together.
 9. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein at least one belt for driving a flywheel is coupled to at least one foot pedal and one hand pedal.
 10. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said frame and plurality of pedals are adjustable; a) A mechanism on the frame wherein said frame is adjustable; and b) A mechanism on the foot pedals wherein said foot pedals are adjustable; and c) A mechanism on hand pedals wherein said hand pedals are adjustable.
 11. The exercise device as in claim 1, comprising: a) A frame; b) A plurality of pedals comprising a plurality of hand pedals and a plurality of foot pedals; c) A plurality of wheels wherein said pluralities of wheels are casters or a flywheel coupled to the frame; d) A plurality of pulleys; e) A plurality of rotors wherein at least one of said plurality of rotors is coupled to at least one pulley and to at least one pedal wherein each of said plurality of pedals is coupled to at least one rotor; and f) At least one synchronizing belt, for synchronizing at least one hand pedal with at least one-foot pedal wherein said at least one synchronizing belt is coupled to at least one hand pedal rotor and to at least one foot pedal rotor. g) At least one belt for driving at least one flywheel coupled to at least one foot pedal rotor and one hand pedal rotor. h) The frame and plurality of pedals are adjustable. 